The Big Show 2005 - Custom Truck Show

The Scion-Sponsored Event Lives Up To Its Name

Great shows don't happen by accident. They are the results of careful planning, responsive facilities, and years of experience. The Virginia Motorsports Park, just south of Richmond, Virginia, is the perfect combination of huge display space and active quarter-mile drag strip. General Manager Bryan Pierce has been entertaining crowds there for more than a decade. Drop Jaw Promotions, a group that has become legendary for its unique brand of wild nighttime entertainment, joined forces with the track for the weekend extravaganza. The Drop Jaw team, Glenn and Mike Pilgreen, along with J.R. Breheul, also bring decades of experience to the show scene. Famous for their unforgettable Saturday night entertainment, Drop Jaw creates a party atmosphere second to none. Combine great facilities, wild party action, and the Aussie Steak House philosophy of "No Rules, Just Right" and you'll understand why this show is such a hit.

Can't cruise at some shows? It's not a problem at the Big Show. The unending line of vehicles slowly lapped the infield with the Disc Jockey greeting each as they passed the main stage. Want action? Let's count the ways. First, check out the collection of more than 900 vehicles on display inside the park. Cars, trucks, 4x4s, and motorcycles filled the huge display area. Move track side and watch drag racers blasting down the strip, or buy a quarter-mile pass to determine just how quick your truck really is. Eighth-mile fun runs were free to every custom vehicle at the show. You say you're into burnouts? You could watch them fry theirs or jump in and fry your own. The track fire safety crew quenched two of the more active competitors, proof that no one was holding anything back. The MECA-sponsored stereo competition checked SPL at their booth and monitored the Boom and Zoom Competition as big bad 'bassers' became red-hot racers, demonstrating their mastery of both skills. Motorcycle stunt teams and the rolling hop hydro guys added to the fun. Want more? Watch the late evening Scape Competition, where dozens of truckers took up the challenge on the drag strip return road, seeing who could create the longest shower of sparks.

Of course, the biggest, baddest burnout of the weekend was from one of the hottest monster trucks you're likely to see. Mike Rossi's V-10-powered Excursionator not only roared down the track during time trials but also entertained the crowd in the burnout contest, with Mike trying to fry the huge, 49-inch Super Swampers. Mike has fun with his truck and went on to capture the Overall Best of Show trophy, plus $1,000.

The Saturday night stage show combined the bikini, wet T-shirt, and special Big Banana contest, giving the ladies in the house a chance to entertain the crowd and earn some cash. Beautiful Amanda went home with an extra $500 tucked in her bikini. Just for fun, expensive stereo components were passed out to the crowd as door prizes, because that's how they do it at the Big Show.

The awards ceremony continued the bigger-is-better approach,sending more than 400 drivers home with trophies, including a dozen cash-paying, Best of Show wins. If you'd like to be part of the fun, check out www.dropjawmag.com for details on next year's event. The show promoters have found the successful formula for weekend fun and plan on making this event larger every year. See www.dropjawmag.com for details. Special thanks to Seven City Scion for its sponsorship support.